Leprosy--a clinico-epidemiological study in a rural population of Bundelkhand.

The present study was carried out in the three villages viz. Kochha Bhanwar, Kargawan and Pichhore, situated within 3 kms radius from M.L.B. Medical College, Jhansi, U.P. About 91 per cent (91.17%) of population was surveyed. Out of the 3,362 individuals studied, 18 cases of leprosy could be detected giving a prevalence rate of 5.41/1000 population. No association between the size of village and prevalence of leprosy cases was observed. The highest prevalence rate (7.40/1000) was seen in age group 15-49 years with male to female ratio of 2.6: 1. The disease was not prevalent in preschool age-group. Poor class of people contributed comparatively to a greater extent (6.37/1000). Size of the family did also not seem to be associated with the prevalence of disease. More than one case of leprosy in a family was observed in 30.7 per cent of the families. Early cases of leprosy remained acceptable in rural society whereas advanced cases were not acceptable. The disease seemed to manifest at all ages except pre-school age group. Majority of the cases (55.56%) were of early stage with a duration of the disease of less than 2 years. Possibilities to arrest the disease by early diagnosis, and prompt and proper treatment have been emphasized.